In a court battle that took nearly two years since its inception, the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) was the last line of defense against Xbox owning the publisher. And on Friday the 13th, the regulator passed the acquisition. Subsequently, Microsoft went on to announce that the purchase has finally went through in welcoming Activision Blizzard to Xbox.
Although the industry awaited the results if Microsoft were able to pull off the $68.7 billion acquisition untouched alike its ZeniMax Media deal before, there was other drawn aspirations from the deal. In that, many were hoping to see the ejection of CEO Bobby Kotick. With promises for a better industry, it was reported early on that Kotick’s departure is premeditated according to The Wall Street journal, internal sources told.
From a new press release fresh from the Activision Blizzard deal finalizing, Microsoft presses that Bobby Kotick is to remain CEO for the remainder of the calendar year for 2023.
I have long said that I am fully committed to helping with the transition. Phil has asked me to stay on as CEO of ABK, reporting to him, and we have agreed that I will do that through the end of 2023. We both look forward to working together on a smooth integration for our teams and players.
Bobby Kotick, Activision Blizzard CEO
“Your dedication is what makes it possible for us to continually push envelopes, break records, and delight players. Amid the uncertainty of the last 21 months, you’ve remained focused, as always, on serving our players and supporting each other,” Kotick writes. “Brian and I couldn’t be more excited for the next chapter for ABK. We now join one of the most successful global companies, poised for unprecedented opportunities to connect the world through our games.”
While Kotick is now on a timer for his remaining time overlooking the Activision Blizzard machine, he has happened to spare fairly crucial information on plans for Nintendo moving forward. With the likeliness of the next console certainly in development, he spared during a previous hearing that the power level is on par with 8th generation Xbox One & PlayStation 4. You can read the full report by heading here.
What is your thoughts on Kotick’s exit for Activision finally coming?
Source: Microsoft
